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Pet safety

Is Hairy-Leaf Begonia toxic to dogs?

Begonia hispida

Toxic to dogs

Yes — hairy-leaf begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; soluble calcium oxalates cause oral burning, intense salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentration.

What to do if your dog ate hairy-leaf begonia

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move hairy-leaf begonia out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of hairy-leaf begonia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten hairy-leaf begonia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is hairy-leaf begonia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hairy-leaf begonia toxic to dogs?

Yes — hairy-leaf begonia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; soluble calcium oxalates cause oral burning, intense salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentration.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hairy-leaf begonia?

The ASPCA lists the Begonia genus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; soluble calcium oxalates cause oral burning, intense salivation, and vomiting; the underground portions contain the highest concentration. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to hairy-leaf begonia.

What should I do if my dog ate hairy-leaf begonia?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is hairy-leaf begonia toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy-Leaf Begonia is toxic to cats as well. See the full hairy-leaf begonia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hairy-leaf begonia?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full hairy-leaf begonia pet-safety